ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

Criterium-Ackerman Engineers' Phase I Environmental Site Assessment studies follow the format of ASTM Standard 1527 and include a physical inspection of the site, a review of relevant records, and interviews with occupants, owners, neighbors and selected officials. The scope is often expanded to address issues specific to the subject property.

The primary intent of our ESA studies is to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) associated with each property, as well as Business Environmental Risks (BERs) as defined within ASTM. This site visit includes an inspection for issues identified as within the scope of ASTM 1527 including:

Hazardous Materials Storage & Handling

Waste Generation, Storage, Disposal & Emissions

Underground Storage Tanks

Aboveground Storage Tanks

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Stained Soil

Drums or Unidentified Containers

Drains or Sumps

Pits, Ponds, or Lagoons

Wells

Septic Systems

In addition to the site inspections, we conduct research as part of the ESA scope as follows:

The apparent current and prior uses of all adjacent properties with respect to the potential for migration of contaminants to the subject property.

Readily available public records (local, state and Federal) and previous reports and studies to identify existing or potential sources of contamination to the site.

Interview present or past owners or tenants or other knowledgeable persons to the extent available, to assess their knowledge of stored, created or discharged hazardous materials or waste, and review as to whether appropriate procedures, safeguards, permits and notices are in place.

Unless directed by our client, our ESA scope will not include any asbestos sampling or other issues defined as out of scope under the ASTM methodology. If these additional services are requested, a separate proposal can be prepared.

Sometimes, the degree or even existence of contamination cannot be confirmed without a Phase II investigation. Criterium Engineers can coordinate Phase II investigations, but does not perform them. We will not recommend unnecessary additional studies when the risk is deemed low.